Travel Guides

Carnival of Venice

Originating in the 12th-century, the Carnival of Venice is one
of the world's most famous festivals, and fills the whole city with
musicians, acrobats, clowns, magicians, puppeteers, beautiful
masks, elaborate costumes, and parades. People come from around the
world to participate in masked balls and general festivities in the
ancient Venetian tradition, and to enjoy theatrical performances,
exhibitions and concerts along the canals, squares and the
magnificent palaces of the city. The Carnival begins 14 days before
Ash Wednesday and culminates in Mardi Gras on Shrove Tuesday.
Carnival traditions are the same, but every year the theme is
different. Masks are central to the Venetian celebrations, and
although the reason they were originally worn is not certain, some
historians argue that being in disguise allowed class distinctions
to dissolve; the thrill of anonymity still plays a big role in the
mystique of carnival. One of the biggest parties in the world,
Carnival is a special time in Venice and the romance of the
festival never seems to fade.